Method and arrangement of equipment for the protection of buildings and people from acts of violence

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a method, and the equipment necessary for implementation thereof, for the unnoticeable detection of armed persons in the region giving access to objects that require protection and for the detention of such persons by surprise. Detention by surprise prevents individuals prepared to do violence from being able to run amok or take hostages in order to secure their own release.

This invention relates to a method and an arrangement of equipment forthe protection of buildings and people from acts of violence.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most similar existing methods for the continuous, routine monitoringof people and baggage are practiced, for example, at airports. Thepeople are checked by means of hand-held metal detectors or by walkingthrough a frame with the same action. The baggage contents arevisualized by radiographic methods described in principle in U.S. Pat.No. 4 799 247. Monitoring methods of this kind, however, in principlehave the disadvantage that a potential perpetrator is aware that theyexist and knows the details of their nature, site and comprehensiveness.Therefore he can collaborate with third parties to position the weaponryin such a way that it can be retrieved unnoticed after he has beenmonitored.

A method by which a person carrying a concealed metal object can bedetected and immediately thereafter detained by locking a revolving doorin position has been described in OS 29 03 114. This method in principlehas the disadvantage that the metal object is not identified with regardto how dangerous it might be, so that false outcomes are common; thatis, people with large enough metal objects are detained even though theyare harmless.

The problem is thus to provide a method in which, by several successivestages of purposeful measures, first the presence of a potentiallydangerous object is detected, then this object is analyzed and if it isdangerous is so identified, the face of the person involved isdocumented before anything further is done, and the person is detainedby surprise with no chance to resist and no danger to third parties. Itis desirable to separate the sites of identification and of detentionfar enough in space that forewarning effects are minimized. Thisrequires that the persons be labeled without their noticing and detainedon the basis of this labeling, i.e. not necessarily on the basis of aphysical measurement signal. In the concept of the method it is assumedthat individuals with violent intent have previously reconnoitred thelocalities as harmless visitors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a method, and to the arrangement of equipmentnecessary for the implementation thereof, for identifying personsintending violence as dangerous, by way of the weapons they arecarrying, as soon as they enter buildings and for detaining them in sucha way that they have no opportunity to secure their release byextortion, e.g. by taking hostages. The determination that one or moreweapons is or are being brought into the building, the identification ofthe weaponry and the labeling of the armed persons to target them fordetention all occur undetectably; therefor the potential perpetrator canbe detained by surprise. The invention is meant to be used primarily incases such that protection is required for buildings and the peopletherein but visible check-points are unsuitable because of theirforewarning effect, or in which potential perpetrators do not expectsuch controls, at least not in the outermost entrance region.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a building interior protected inaccordance with the present invention from people intending acts ofviolence;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view illustrating X-ray machinery for identifyingmetal objects; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating movable X-ray machinery foridentifying metal objects.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The method in accordance with the invention provides for the followingprocedures:

At the entrance to a vestibule 30 of the building to be secured,suitable means are provided to cause entering individuals to proceedsingly, so that at least one first sensor/metal-detector 1 can be usedto determine whether relatively large metal objects are being brought inby a given individual. This test is performed in real time, and apositive result causes a signal to be sent to the security staff in theguard room 5. The metal detector 1 is extremely sensitive and is capableof identifying the kinds of metal by the signals it receives; as aresult, false alarms caused, e.g., by coins, keys or jewelry areprevented (FIG. 1).

Instead of one metal detector, a number of metal detectors can beprovided at various heights, incorporated for example in a doorway.These detectors make it possible to determine precisely the height andthe position of the detected metal object, and to indicate whetherseveral metal objects may be present.

After a signal has been sent out by the metal detector(s), a furtherprocedure is initiated immediately in order to verify and whereappropriate to identify the metal objects. This can usefully beaccomplished, for example, by radiography with an X-ray machine 2, 3,which for the present purpose can be done with a very low radiationdose. The X-ray picture is evaluated and analyzed immediately bysecurity staff observing monitors 10. If an array of metal detectors atdifferent heights is present, it is particularly advantageous to employa similar array of X-ray generators 2 and sensors 3, each with its owndisplay unit 10 (FIG. 2).

When a metal detector 1 in a particular height range has detected apotentially dangerous metal object, the X-ray generator 2 in the sameheight range is activated.

FIG. 3 shows a solution that requires less equipment. If a metaldetector 1 has located a metal object at a particular height, then anX-ray generator 2 is moved to the height in question. With thissolution, however, in case several metal objects are present atdifferent heights and the individual is moving quickly, systemsaturation cannot be ruled out. Therefore it is useful to employ anadditional video recorder 20, the recording from which can be replayedat slower speed or even frame by frame.

If the observing security staff come to the conclusion that a dangerexists, on the basis of the size and shape of the sensed or imagedobjects, the individual is labeled while still proceeding singly, beforeentering the vestibule 30. The labeling can be done without beingnoticed at all, by means of a gas jet or spray from a spray can 7.

From the vestibule, access to the interior of the building is provided,e.g., by a revolving door 4 made of metal and bulletproof glass. Sensors9 detect the labeled individual at entry into the revolving door 4 anddetain the individual in isolation by locking the door in position. Now,by way of the loudspeaker 8, the individual can be told to empty pocketsand briefcase and to hand over the suspect objects for identification,through a hatch 6. Then the door-locking mechanism 21 can be released.

(FIG. 1).

To supplement these procedures, at a suitable place in the passage 11individuals may be required to fill out a form at a writing desk orwindow 12. The consequence is that every visitor must stop and put downhandbags and briefcases 13, which allows extra time for a more detailed,object-related investigation, e.g. by radiography with an additionalX-ray machine 24. Furthermore, inconspicuously installed suctionequipment can be used to draw off gas samples and analyze them, e.g. forthe presence of plastic explosive or intoxicant drugs.

The present state of X-ray technology enables flawless images to beobtained with a radiation dose so low that the possibility of a healthrisk to the radiographed individual can be ruled out with absolutecertainty. This applies equally to pregnant women and to the possibilityof genetic damage.

In a procedure independent of radiography, the face of each visitor canbe documented, e.g. by means of a (video) camera 14. In principle it ispossible to process the recorded facial image with a pattern-recognitionprogram in a computer 15 and to compare it with the faces of knowndangerous persons stored in a memory 16. An individual identified asdangerous in this way can then be detained even though no weapons arebeing carried. Furthermore, if desired it is possible to check whetherthe identity claimed by the individual matches the identity stored inthe computer 15. A failure to match provides grounds to detain theindividual for a further identity check even without the detection ofweapons.

Another sequence of the procedural steps described above, or theirdistribution among several rooms or parts of the building, is expresslywithin the scope of the invention.

The method in accordance with the invention requires the followingdevices or apparatus for the individual stages:

Stage 1: The entering persons are made to proceed singly in thevestibule by a suitably dimensioned, inconspicuous constriction of thepassageway 11, e.g. by railings 23 or other items of furniture.Elevators with small cabins are also suitable.

Stage 2: To detect metal objects a sensor 1 is used, which for exampleindicates changes in a magnetic field. Better results may be obtainedwith several metal detectors at different heights.

Stage 3: Here an X-ray machine 2 is employed. Whether a single-frameimage is produced, or whether an X-ray camera, invisible behind a wallfacing, accompanies the visitor for several meters (film-like imagesequence), depends on the user's security requirements. It is especiallyeffective to have an array of X-ray generators and sensors at differentheights, in combination with display screens.

Stage 4: A writing desk 12 with forms to be filled out is provided, withstands 27 on either side on which hand baggage 13 can be set down. Thehand baggage is radiographed by means of X-ray cameras 24,advantageously equipped with zoom optics. To draw off traces of gas fromplastic explosives and intoxicant drugs, hidden suction equipment 17 isinstalled that sends the extracted air to a mass spectrograph 18 and/orbiosensors.

Stage 5: The face/head of every suspect individual is photographed. Forthis purpose a (video) camera 14 is installed behind a half-silveredmirror 22. A computer 15 with image-recognition software, an imagememory 16 with the photographs of dangerous persons, and animage-comparison monitor 19 are provided.

Stage 6: To label suspect individuals inconspicuously, a gas jet, sprayor the like is used. The nozzle 7 (in some cases several of them) isusefully installed below belt level. The labeling process is triggered,for example, by interruption of a (infrared) light beam 26.

Stage 7: It is necessary to have a passage that can be inconspicuouslyblocked in both the entrance and the exit direction, e.g. a revolvingdoor 4 made of bulletproof glass or an elevator cabin. These contain asensor 9 to detect the labeling, with signal transmitter and the lockingmechanism 21. In addition, a loudspeaker/microphone installation 8 andin some cases an additional video camera 25 for documentation purposesare employed.

The observation room 5 for the security staff is equipped with thenecessary optical and acoustic display, observation and recordingdevices 10, 18, 19 of the usual commercial construction.

All the equipment and devices mentioned for stages 1 to 9 are state ofthe art. Therefore a high standard of security can be relativelyeconomically achieved, for endangered buildings, objects and hence alsofor people.

We claim:
 1. Arrangement for the detection of armed persons seekingentry in buildings, for identifying the nature of the weapon and theindividual, and for detaining the potential perpetrator of violence bysurprise by a security staff, giving no opportunity for resistance, saidarrangement comprising the combination of the following apparatus:(a) anentrance region to the building including an entrance at one end, anexit at the other end, and an entrance hall therebetween; (b) means forguiding the persons and cause them to pass singly through the entranceregion (11), the entrance region is shaped and equipped with channelingwalls, passages, items of furniture (23) and railings; (c) at least onemetal detector (1) near the entrance to detect metal objects that arebrought in; (d) at least one X-ray generator (2) with sensor (3) toidentify and evaluate metal objects; (e) at least one monitor (10) toanalyze X-ray images from said X-ray generator; (f) at least one gas-jetor spray device (7) with an infrared light beam (26) as a triggeringdevice to label a suspect person; (g) means for detaining singleindividuals at the end of the entrance hall including, a revolving door(4); (h) at least one sensor (9) in the region of passage through therevolving door, with a pulse generator to detect the gas-jet or spraymarking; (i) pulse-controlled means (21) for locking and unlocking therevolving door position: (j) a hatch (6) in the region of the revolvingdoor; and (k) a loudspeaker/microphone means mounted in the region ofthe revolving door.
 2. Arrangement to detect armed persons according toclaim 1, including at least one writing desk.
 3. Arrangement to detectarmed persons according to claim 1, including at least one photographyand video camera (14) to take a picture of the person.
 4. Arrangement todetect armed persons according to claim 3, wherein the camera (14) isinstalled so as to be concealed, including means for concealing thecamera behind a half-silvered mirror (22).
 5. Arrangement to detectarmed persons according to claim 1, including a computer (15) withimage-recognition software and a memory for stored images (16). 6.Arrangement to detect armed persons according to claim 1, including atleast one image-comparison monitor (19).
 7. Arrangement to detect armedpersons according to claim 1, including at least one gas sampling device(17) to take gas samples.
 8. Arrangement to detect armed personsaccording to claim 1, including at least one analysis device (18) todetect traces of explosives and intoxicant drugs.
 9. Arrangement todetect armed persons according to claim 1, wherein to determine thevertical position of a metal object several metal detectors (1) aredisposed at different height levels.
 10. Arrangement to detect armedpersons according to claim 1, wherein to identify metal objects at oneor more height levels, several X-ray generators (2) and sensors (3),with associated display units (10), are present at different heights.11. Arrangement to detect armed persons according to claim 1, wherein toidentify metal objects that have been detected at a particular heightlevel, an adjustable-height X-ray installation (2, 3) is positionedafter the metal detector.
 12. Arrangement to detect armed personsaccording to claim 1, wherein the lockable revolving door (4) is made ofbulletproof glass.
 13. Arrangement to detect armed persons according toclaim 1, wherein the loudspeaker/microphone means and the hatch (6) areso constructed and disguised that they are not visually detectable. 14.Arrangement to detect armed persons according to claim 1, including atleast one video recorder (20) to record the monitor information for moredetailed analysis by slow or single-frame playback.
 15. Arrangement todetect armed persons according to claim 1, including a second X-rayinstallation (24) to radiograph items of baggage (13) that have been setdown.
 16. Arrangement to detect armed persons according to claim 1,including at least one video camera (25) to document the events in theentrance region.